Heat Exchanger, in Particular Charge-Air Cooler or Exhaust Gas Cooler for an Internal Combustion Engine of a Motor Vehicle

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a heat exchanger, in particular a charge-air cooler or exhaust gas cooler for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, having a first tank ( 2 ), having a second tank which is arranged at a distance from said first tank ( 2 ), and having a plurality of tubes ( 10 ) which serve to flow-connect the first ( 2 ) and the second tank, and having a chamber ( 38 ) which can be traversed by a coolant, which chamber ( 38 ) is provided between the two tanks ( 2 ) and through which chamber ( 38 ) run a plurality or all of the tubes ( 10 ) which serve to flow-connect the two tanks ( 2 ), wherein at least one of said two tanks ( 2 ) has a cover ( 12 ) and a base ( 14 ) which is connected to said cover ( 12 ) and is provided with one or more first passage openings ( 16 ) for receiving the tubes ( 10 ), wherein said base ( 14 ) has at least one first groove ( 58 ) into which a wall section ( 66 ) of the cover ( 12 ) of said same tank ( 2 ) extends.

The invention relates to a heat exchanger, in particular charge-aircooler or exhaust gas cooler for an internal combustion engine of amotor vehicle.

Heat exchangers which are embodied as what are referred to asall-aluminum heat exchangers are already known. Furthermore it is knownthat such heat exchangers or all-aluminum heat exchangers can be used ascharge-air coolers for an internal combustion engine. Known charge-aircoolers have two boxes which are spaced apart and which are fluidicallyconnected via a plurality of pipes, such as flat pipes. The charge airto be cooled then flows from one of the two boxes through the pipes andinto the other of the two boxes. Between the pipes, intermediate spaces,through which coolant can flow, are provided transversely with respectto the direction of the longitudinal extent of said pipes. The pipeblock which is formed by said pipes is surrounded here by a separateplate which is continuous around the periphery of the pipe block andforms a covering or enclosure so that a chamber is formed between thetwo boxes, through which chamber the pipes run. This enclosure isprovided here with an inflow for coolant and an outflow for coolant. Insuch embodiments it is known for the two boxes of the charge-air coolerwhich are embodied as an all-aluminum heat exchanger to have a lid and abottom. The lid forms here a type of hood which is closed off on itsopen side by the bottom. A plurality of openings into which the pipesare inserted are provided in the bottom. The bottom or bottoms cantherefore also be referred to as a pipe bottom or pipe bottoms. Theinsertion of the pipes into said bottoms is generally implemented herebefore the relevant bottoms are joined together with the box lids whichare respectively assigned to them. In such designs, on the one hand thepipes are connected to the bottoms and, on the other hand, the bottomsare connected to the boxes using suitable connecting means. It is known,for example, for the pipes to be soldered to the bottoms and for thebottoms to be soldered to the boxes.

It is known, for example, for the bottoms to be of precisely flat orplanar design and for the lid to be fitted onto the bottom which isrespectively assigned to it and to be soldered to said bottom. It isalso known for the bottoms to be able to extend in or over the box. Forthis purpose, the bottoms can have, for example, a peripheral edge whichprojects in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axes of thepipe and which engages on the outside around the end of the lid whichfaces the bottom or is plugged into the lid in the region of this end ofthe lid. In this context, this projecting end of the bottom is solderedto the lid.

Furthermore, embodiments of such boxes in which there is no separatebottom provided and said boxes merely have a lid are known. In suchdesigns, the pipes are widened in their end regions facing therespective box and are soldered to one another in the widened regions.The unit of the pipes which are soldered to one another in this way andwidened at their end regions is plugged into the lid and soldered to thelid here. Since only the end regions of said pipes are widened, pipeintermediate spaces continue to be formed in the regions located betweensaid pipes.

The invention is then based on the object of providing a heat exchangersuch as a charge-air cooler or exhaust gas cooler for an internalcombustion engine of a motor vehicle, in particular a heat exchangerwhich is embodied as an all-aluminum heat exchanger and which is easy tomount in terms of fabrication technology, can be satisfactorily sealedand has a good level of operational reliability.

According to the invention, in particular a heat exchanger as per claim1 or as per claim 2 or as per claim 3 or as per claim 5 or as per claim10 is proposed. Preferred developments are the subject matter of thesubclaims.

In particular a heat exchanger is therefore proposed which has a firstbox and a second box which is arranged spaced apart from said first box.The first box is fluidically connected to the second box via a pluralityof pipes. The heat exchanger also has a chamber through which a coolantcan flow. The chamber can have, for example, one or more walls, arrangedin its interior, for deflecting flowing medium; however, it can also befree of such walls which are arranged in its interior. The entry for themedium can be arranged, for example, on the side on which the exit forthis medium is located or on the side lying opposite this side, or onanother side. The chamber is arranged between the two boxes, with one orall of the pipes which connect said two boxes fluidically runningthrough this chamber. At least one of said two boxes has a lid and abottom which is connected to this lid and is provided with one or morefirst openings for the pipes. The pipes open into said first openings,and/or the pipes are inserted with their ends into said first openings.In the case of boxes preferably each have a lid and a bottom which isconnected to said lid and provided with one or more first openings forthe pipes. In this preferred embodiment, the pipes are plugged with oneof their respective ends into the first openings in the bottom of thefirst box, and are plugged with their respective other end into thefirst openings in the bottom of the second box. There is provision forone of the boxes or for both boxes to be respectively embodied in such away that the bottom of said box or the respective bottom of therespective box has a first groove into which a wall section of the lidof said box extends, or has a plurality of first grooves into which arespective wall section of the lid of the same box extends.

In addition, in particular a heat exchanger as per claim 2 is proposed.According to this embodiment, which, in a development, can also becombined with the abovementioned embodiment, there is provision that atleast one covering, such as for example a covering plate, is providedfor bounding the chamber arranged between the boxes, wherein the bottomof the first box and/or the bottom of the second box has at least asecond groove into which (in each case) a (respective) wall section ofthe covering extends. The covering can be embodied, for example, in sucha way that it bounds the chamber on one side; but it can also beembodied in such a way that it forms a casing which is essentiallyclosed essentially around the periphery in order to bound the chamber,or can be embodied in some other way. It is also possible to providethat it is embodied in a plurality of parts or that a plurality ofcoverings or covering plates are provided which extend in the fashionmentioned above, in particular with an edge region, into a (respective)second groove or respective second grooves which is provided in thebottom of the first box and/or in the bottom of the second box. It ispossible, for example, to provide in each case such a covering orcovering plate on two sides, lying opposite one another, of the pipeblock formed by the pipes.

In addition, in particular, a heat exchanger as per claim 3 is proposed.According to this embodiment, which, in a development, can also becombined with one or more, or all, of the abovementioned embodiments,there is provision for the chamber which is provided between the boxesto be bounded on two sides lying opposite one another by means of pipeswhich are embodied as flat pipes and via which the first box and thesecond box are fluidically connected. On two further sides lyingopposite one another, that is to say two sides lying opposite oneanother which are different from the abovementioned sides and whichextend between the boxes or extend from the first box to the second boxand which, in particular, are positioned essentially transversely withrespect to the planes formed by said flat pipes, the chamber is boundedin each case by means of a covering, in particular a covering plate. Itis therefore possible, for example, to provide two covering plates whichrespectively bound the chamber on sides lying opposite one another.

According to one particularly preferred development, the chamber whichis provided between the boxes is bounded by the boxes on the sides lyingopposite one another in the direction of the longitudinal extent of thepipes. In one advantageous embodiment this is implemented in such a waythat the chamber is bounded by the bottom of the first box on one of thetwo sides lying opposite one another in the direction of thelongitudinal extent of the pipes, and is bounded by the bottom of thesecond box on the other of said two sides lying opposite one another inthe direction of the longitudinal extent of the pipes.

In addition, in particular a heat exchanger as per claim 5 is proposed.Therefore, in particular a heat exchanger is proposed which has a firstbox and a second box which is arranged spaced apart from said first box.The first box is fluidically connected to the second box via a pluralityof pipes which are flat pipes in one advantageous embodiment. The heatexchanger is embodied here in such a way that one of said two boxes hasa lid, and preferably both of said boxes respectively has a lid, and abottom which is connected to said lid and is provided with one or morefirst openings for the pipes.

The bottom of the first box and/or the bottom of the second box has atleast one groove into which a wall section of the lid, or in each case arespective wall section of the lid, of the (respective) same boxextends, to be precise in particular with its end region facing said(respective) bottom. Alternatively or additionally it is also possibleto provide that the lid in question, of the first and/or second box, hasat least one groove into which (in each case) a (respective) wallsection of the bottom of the (respective) same box extends. It is to benoted that that embodiment of the alternative embodiments in which atleast one groove is provided in the bottom of the first box and/or inthe bottom of the second box and into which a wall section of therespectively assigned lid extends provides, in various applicationcases, advantages over the alternative embodiment in which the lid ofthe first box and/or the lid of the second box has at least one grooveinto which (in each case) a (respective) wall section of the bottom ofsaid (respective same) box extends.

As is also shown by the statements above, the embodiments of the boxand/or of the bottom and of the lid of the box and the interaction ofthe box and bottom and the interaction of the bottom and covering referto one of the two boxes or to both boxes. The same applies to thedevelopments which are disclosed in this regard within the scope of thisdisclosure. It is, for example, also possible to provide that theembodiment of the box or its bottom and/or lid and the interaction ofthe bottom of the box with a covering with respect to the first box andthe second box is different depending on different embodiments ordevelopments of the invention. In order to make the presentation simplerin this disclosure, the embodiments or developments are largelyexplained with respect to a box or its lid or its bottom or theinteraction of this box with one or more coverings, in which case thisis intended in particular to state that the respective embodiment can beprovided with respect to the first and/or second box.

In one advantageous development there is provision that the groove orthe first groove or the second groove is a peripheral, or an essentiallyperipheral, groove. This may be implemented, for example, in such a waythat the bottom has a peripheral groove and/or peripheral first grooveand/or peripheral second groove in an essentially outer edge region. Inthis context it is possible to provide that the lid extends with itspreferably peripheral wall section which is located at the end facingthe bottom into the first groove in question, in particular in aperipheral fashion. In one advantageous embodiment, the groove, or firstgroove or second groove, which is provided in the bottom is a groovewhich is embossed or impressed into the bottom and is particularlypreferably peripheral. The groove, or first groove or second groove, ispreferably provided in an edge region or outer edge region of thebottom, to be precise in particular in the region which is positionedbetween the arrangement of the first openings in the bottom and theouter edge of said bottom. The groove, or first groove or second groove,can be embossed or impressed here in such a way that it forms the grooveand/or first groove and/or second groove on one side of the bottom and acorresponding (first or second) projection or a corresponding (first orsecond) profile elevation, in particular bead, on the other side. It isto be noted that the formulation “groove and/or first groove and/orsecond groove” refers to alternative embodiments which, however, canalso be provided in a corresponding combination according to onedevelopment.

According to one particularly preferred development of the inventionthere is provision for a first profile elevation to be spaced aparttransversely, in particular perpendicularly, with respect to thedirection of the longitudinal extent of the pipes, by the pipe blockwhich is formed by the pipes, in particular flat pipes, with the resultthat at least a first intermediate space is formed between this pipeblock and this first profile elevation transversely, in particularperpendicularly, with respect to the direction of longitudinal extent ofthe pipes, wherein at least one covering, in particular covering plate,is provided for bounding the chamber, and wherein an, in particularend-side wall section or edge of this covering extends into this firstintermediate space. In this case it may be provided that said wallsection of the covering which extends into the first intermediate spaceformed between the pipe block and the first profile elevationessentially bears against said pipe block and/or said first profileelevation and/or is soldered to pipes of the pipe block and/or to thefirst profile elevation, for example by means of solder plating.

A preferred embodiment according to which, as previously mentioned, awall section of the covering extends into a first intermediate space ofthe aforesaid type and according to which a wall section of the lidwhich is assigned to the respective bottom extends in a first groove ofthis lid is particularly advantageous, in which embodiment it is, inparticular, possible to provide that the first profile elevation isconstructed by embossing or impressing the first groove into said bottom(on the other side of said bottom).

According to one advantageous embodiment there is provision that thebottom has one or more second openings which are different from thefirst opening or openings, and the covering has, on its side facing thebottom, one or more projections, for example clips, each of whichextends in or through a second opening in each case. The first openingsare in this context those which are formed in the bottom in order tohold the pipes. The second openings can, for example, be provided in thegroove base of the at least one first groove of the bottom.

In an advantageous development, the bottom is soldered to the lid, to beprecise in particular soldered in a fluid-tight fashion. The solderingcan be effected, for example, by means of solder plating or in someother way. It is also preferred for the at least one covering, inparticular covering plate, to be soldered to the bottom.

In one advantageous embodiment there is provision that the solder bymeans of which the bottom and the lid are soldered is provided in the atleast one first groove which is provided in the bottom and into which atleast one wall section of the lid extends or, alternatively, in theregion of the intermediate space formed between the second profileelevation and the pipe block.

The covering is advantageously soldered to the second profile elevationand/or to the sections of pipes of the pipe block which are locatedthere in the region of the intermediate space which is formed betweensaid second profile elevation of the bottom and the pipe block, or in analternative embodiment is soldered in the region of the second groove,with the result that solder is provided in this second groove. In anadvantageous development the soldering is effected by means of solderplating.

According to one advantageous development, the bottom is of essentiallyflat or planar construction. It is possible to provide that all theparts of the box or of both boxes, that is to say in particular the(respective) bottom and the lid, are formed from sheet metal. The atleast one covering can also be formed from sheet metal. The bottom orbottoms is/are advantageously constructed in one piece and/or fabricatedfrom a single-piece component.

There is, in particular, provision that the pipes, or all the pipes, arespaced apart in the direction viewed transversely with respect to thedirection of the longitudinal extent so that intermediate spaces betweenthe pipes are formed for a medium (in particular coolant) to flowthrough which is different from a medium (in particular exhaust gas orcharge air) which is flowing through the pipes. Such intermediate spacesbetween pipes can, in particular, be respectively provided betweenadjacent pipes. The pipes can form one or more ducts in their interior.It is to be noted that the unit of the pipes, in particular in theirmounted arrangement, is referred to as “pipe block” within the sense ofthis application. The term “pipe block” therefore does not exclude theintermediate spaces between pipes which have been referred to, and isnot intended, in particular, to indicate that the pipes have to be incontact with one another.

For example it is also possible to provide that turbulence inserts areplaced in the intermediate spaces between the pipes. Said turbulenceinserts may be in contact, for example, with the respectively adjacentpipes and/or be soldered to them, to be precise in particular by meansof solder plating.

The chamber can have an inlet opening for a coolant, such as water orthe like, as well as an outlet opening for the coolant.

It is possible to provide that fins are provided in the pipes, to beprecise in particular in order to improve the thermal conduction.

There is particularly preferably provision that the heat exchanger is acharge-air cooler or an exhaust gas cooler for an internal combustionengine of a motor vehicle. In this context it is possible to providethat the charge air or the exhaust gas can be cooled by means of thischarge-air cooler or exhaust gas cooler. It is possible to provide thatthe charge air or the exhaust gas enters one of the two boxes of theheat exchanger and subsequently flows through the pipes into the otherof the two boxes. In this context a coolant can flow through theintermediate spaces between the pipes and/or the chamber in question.

In one advantageous embodiment, the heat exchanger according to theinvention is what is referred to as an all-aluminum heat exchangerand/or is essentially composed completely of aluminum.

The lid is preferably constructed in the form of a hood.

The pipes via which the first box is fluidically connected to the secondbox are preferably, in particular all, flat pipes. In addition, it ispreferred that the pipes, or all the pipes via which the first box isfluidically connected to the second box run parallel to one another. Thepipes via which the first box is fluidically connected to the second boxare, in particular, arranged between the first box and the second box.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the heat exchanger has at leastone cutout, in particular a plurality of cutouts. A force canparticularly advantageously be applied to the pipes through the cutout,in particular during the joining process, in particular during thesoldering process.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the cutout has a width e, h and alength d, i. In particular, the at least one cutout in the first sidewall section has a width h and a length i. The at least one cutout inthe second wall section has a width e and a length d.

In the text which follows, exemplary embodiments of the invention willbe explained in more detail with reference to the figures, of which:

FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a heat exchanger accordingto the invention in a partial view, wherein the lid and the bottom ofthe box as well as a number of pipes and the covering are illustratedcut away.

FIG. 2 shows the embodiment according to FIG. 1 in an exploded view;

FIG. 3 shows the embodiment according to FIG. 2 but the bottom of thebox is illustrated in a noncutaway fashion;

FIG. 4 shows the embodiment according to FIG. 3 but the pipes areillustrated in a noncutaway fashion;

FIG. 5 shows the embodiment according to FIG. 3 with a partially removedcovering;

FIG. 6 shows the embodiment according to FIG. 2 with a partially removedcovering;

FIG. 7 shows a first oblique view of the side of the bottom facing theinterior of the box according to the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 shows a second view or oblique view of the side of the bottomfacing the interior of the box according to the first exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 9 shows an oblique view of the side of the bottom facing away fromthe interior of the box according to the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 shows a side view of the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 9;

FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of a second exemplary embodiment of aheat exchanger according to the invention in a partial view;

FIG. 12 shows the bottom of the box from the embodiment according toFIG. 11 in an oblique view;

FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of a further embodiment of the heatexchanger;

FIG. 14 shows an isometric representation of the assembled heatexchanger;

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of the chamber side wall and of the sidewall sections;

FIG. 16 shows a further embodiment of the chamber side wall and of theside wall sections;

FIG. 17 shows a further embodiment of the chamber side wall and of theside wall sections;

FIG. 18 shows a further embodiment of the chamber side wall and of theside wall sections;

FIG. 19 shows a further embodiment of the chamber side wall and of theside wall sections;

FIG. 20 shows a further embodiment of the chamber side wall and of theside wall sections;

FIG. 21 shows a further embodiment of the chamber side wall and of theside wall sections with a plate;

FIG. 22 shows an isometric representation of a further embodiment of theconnection of the lid to the bottom and to the side covering; and

FIG. 23 shows a sectional representation of the further embodiment ofthe connection of the lid to the bottom and to the side covering.

In the text which follows, a first exemplary embodiment of a heatexchanger 1 according to the invention will firstly be explained withreference to FIGS. 1 to 10.

The heat exchanger 1, which is, for example, a charge-air cooler orexhaust gas cooler for an internal combustion engine has a first box 2and a second box (not illustrated) which is arranged at a distance fromsaid first box 2.

The heat exchanger 1 has a plurality of pipes 10 by means of which thefirst box and the second box are fluidically connected. This is effectedin such a way that the pipes 10 each open with one of their ends intothe first box, and open at their second end, opposed to the first end,into the second box.

The first box 2 has a lid 12 and a bottom 14 which is connected to saidlid. In a corresponding way, the second box has a lid and a bottom whichis connected to said lid, which is not shown in the figures.

The bottom 14—and the same applies to the bottom of the second box—has aplurality of first openings 16. The pipes 10, which have a straightextent, are respectively plugged with their ends 18, facing the firstbox, into the first openings 16 in the bottom 14 of the first box 2. Ina corresponding way, the pipes 10 are plugged with their second endsopposed to the first ends 18 and not illustrated, into the openings inthe bottom of the second box. The respective first pipe ends 18 andsecond pipe ends in question are soldered to the bottom 14 of the firstbox 2 and to the bottom of the second box, respectively, which ispreferably implemented by means of solder plating.

The lid 12 of the first box is embodied essentially in the form of ahood. The lid of the second box is also embodied essentially in the formof a hood, in which case it is to be noted that the precise shape of thecorresponding lids can be made different or identical.

The lid 12 of the first box, and the same applies to the lid of thesecond box, forms an end region 20 which faces the pipes and/or therespective other box and which is closed off around the periphery. Thisend region 20 is closed off around the periphery in such a way that itis closed off around a virtual axis running in the longitudinaldirection 22 of the pipes 10 through the box 2. In this context it ispossible to provide, and the same can apply to the lid of the secondbox, that that end of the lid 12 of the first box 2 which faces theother box, that is to say here the second box, is closed off around theperiphery, at least with the exception of clips 76 which will bereferred to below, and the end of said lid lies essentially in a plane,in particular completely, which is perpendicular to the longitudinaldirection 22 of the pipes.

The lid 12 of the first box 2, and the same can also apply to the lid ofthe second box, is constructed in such a way that it forms four sidewalls 24, 26, 28, 30 and a wall lying opposite the bottom 14 and/or awall section 32 lying opposite the bottom 14. The first side wall 24lies opposite the second side wall 26, and the third side wall 28 liesopposite the fourth side wall 30. Said four side walls 24, 26, 28, 30are each oriented essentially transversely with respect to the bottom 14of the first box 2. The first side wall 24 and the second side wall 26are each oriented essentially transversely with respect to the thirdside wall 28 or the fourth side wall 30. It is to be noted that the sidewall 30 is concealed in each of FIGS. 1 to 6.

As becomes clear in particular from the side walls 24, 26, said sidewalls must, however, certainly not be of flat design. The figures showthat here the side walls 24, 26 are merged in a curved fashion with thewall 32 lying opposite the bottom, with a relatively large degree ofcurvature being provided. The shape of the lid 12 can also differsignificantly from the shape shown in the figures.

The lid 12 can additionally be formed from a single-piece component orsingle piece of sheet metal, which is however, not shown in FIGS. 1 to10.

According to FIGS. 1 to 10, the third side wall 28 and the fourth sidewall 30 are constructed as parts which are manufactured separately fromthe side wall 24, 26 and the wall 30. The walls 24, 26, 32 are formedthere from a single-piece component. However, in this regard there is alarge degree of variety, which can also be provided alternatively in theembodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 10. In FIGS. 1 to 10 it is shown thatslots 34, 36 into which the walls 28, 32 are plugged are provided in theunit composed of the walls 24, 26, 32, said walls 28, 32 being solderedthere.

A chamber 38 is formed between the first box 2 and the second box.Viewed in the direction 22 of the longitudinal extent of the pipes 10and/or on the sides lying opposite the direction 22 of the longitudinalextent of the pipes 10, this chamber 38 is bounded on one of its sidesby the bottom 14 of the first box 2 and on the other side by the bottomof the second box. On the four remaining sides, the chamber 38 isbounded by a covering 40. This covering 40 forms here a casing which isclosed off essentially around the periphery. The covering 40 is formedhere by a first chamber side wall 42, a second chamber side wall whichlies opposite the first chamber (concealed in the figures), a thirdchamber side wall running transversely with respect to the first chamberside wall 42 and second chamber side wall, and a fourth chamber sidewall which lies opposite this third chamber side wall 44 and isconcealed in the figures. The first chamber side wall 42 and the secondchamber side wall each extend essentially transversely with respect tothe planes of the flat pipe 10. The four chamber side walls are eachformed by a piece of sheet metal, the four pieces of sheet metal beingable to be soldered to one another, for example. However, they can, forexample, also be formed by a piece of sheet metal which iscorrespondingly shaped and, for example, soldered to end-side edges.

The flat pipes 10 are oriented parallel to one another, to be precise insuch a way that the planes which pass through them extend parallel toone another. The flat pipes 10 form here a row of pipes; alternativelyit is also possible, for example to form a plurality of rows of pipes bythe flat pipes 10. The arrangement formed from the flat pipes is alsoreferred to as a pipe block 46. The flat pipes 10 are spaced apart fromone another so that intermediate spaces 48 between the pipes are formedbetween the flat pipes 10 or between the respectively adjacent flatpipes 10. Turbulence inserts 50 are provided in said intermediate spaces48 between the pipes and said turbulence inserts 50 can, for example, besoldered to the respectively adjacent flat pipes 10. Fins (notillustrated) are provided in the pipes 10.

In principle, the covering 40 can essentially be spaced apart completelyfrom the pipe block 46. However, there is provision here for the thirdchamber side wall 44 and fourth chamber side wall to bear against thepipe block 46, essentially completely, in which case said two chamberside walls bear against end-side pipes, lying opposite one another, ofthe row of pipes or of the pipe block. The first chamber side wall 42and second chamber side wall essentially or virtually bear with theirperipheral edge regions 52 against the pipe block and are otherwisespaced apart from the pipe block 46 in order to form a distributionregion for the coolant in order to distribute the coolant into theintermediate spaces 48 between the pipes or to the turbulence inserts50. For this purpose, the first chamber side wall 42 and second chamberside wall and/or the coverings which correspond to them arecorrespondingly shaped, for example with a curved transition region 54.

According to an alternative embodiment (not shown in the figures) thethird 44 and fourth chamber side wall can also be omitted so that thechamber 38 is formed at the corresponding locations instead by the flatpipes 10 which are located on the outside in the row of pipes and/ortheir outer surfaces. In this context, the remaining coverings 40 and/orthe first chamber side wall 42 and second chamber side wall can besoldered, for example in their edge regions 52 to the pipe block 46, tobe precise in particular in a peripheral or sealed fashion.

A coolant can flow through the chamber 38. For this purpose, thecovering or chamber wall has an entry opening and an exit opening forcoolant. One of said openings (reference symbol 56) is shown in thefigures, a connector being provided thereon.

The flat pipes 10 run through the chamber 38 so that, in this chamber 38heat can be transmitted between the medium or gas such as exhaust gas orcharge air flowing through the pipes and the coolant flowing throughsaid chamber 38.

The bottom 14 of the first box 2 has an embossed or impressed firstgroove 58. This first groove 58 is provided in this bottom 14, in theouter edge region 60 of said bottom 14. The first groove 58 is aperipheral groove and/or is closed off at the periphery or extends in aclosed-off fashion at the periphery about a longitudinal axis or thelongitudinal axes of the pipes 10 and/or runs around said longitudinalaxis or axes. The first groove 58 is provided on the side of the bottom14 facing away from the pipe block 46. The first groove 58 is embossedor impressed into the bottom 14 in such a way that on the side of thebottom 14 facing the pipe block 46 a first profile elevation 62 isformed by this embossing or impressing. The first profile elevation 62is consequently also constructed in a peripheral fashion. Such anembodiment with a first profile elevation and first groove is embossedor impressed into the bottom of the second box in a corresponding way.

The first profile elevation 62 is spaced apart, transversely orperpendicularly with respect to the direction 22 of the longitudinalextent of the pipes 10, from the pipe block 46 which is formed by theflat pipes 10, with the result that a first intermediate space 64,running around the pipe block 46 here, is formed between said pipe block46 and said first profile elevation 62 transversely or perpendicularlywith respect to the direction of the longitudinal extent 22 of the pipes10. The first intermediate space 64 is bounded laterally, on the onehand, by the first profile elevation 62 and, on the other hand, by asection or by sections of the pipe block 46. It is possible to providethat the intermediate spaces 48 between the pipes are closed off in theregion of the first intermediate space 64 by means of the turbulenceinserts 50, so that the pipes 10 of the pipe block 46 or its sectionswhich are located in the region of the first intermediate space 64 form,with those sections of the turbulence inserts 50 which are located inthe region of the first intermediate space 64, a boundary wall for thefirst intermediate space 64 which is essentially closed off. Viewed inthe longitudinal direction 22 of the pipes 10, the first intermediatespace 64 is bounded by the bottom 14. On the side facing away from thelid 12 of the first box 2, the first intermediate space 64 is open. Thefirst intermediate space 64 therefore forms a type of groove or a groovethrough the interaction of the bottom 14 and its first profile elevation62 with sections of the pipes 10 and, if appropriate, with sections ofthe turbulence inserts 50. In a corresponding way, a first intermediatespace is provided in the region of the bottom of the second box, whichis bounded in a corresponding way by a first profile elevation of thebottom of the second box, by said bottom and by sections of the pipes 10and if appropriate by sections of turbulence inserts 50.

The lid 12 of this first box 2 or a wall section 66 of the lid 12 ofsaid first box 2 extends into the first groove 58 of the bottom 14 ofsaid first box 2. This is effected in particular in such a way that saidlid 12 extends with its peripheral end, facing the pipe block 46, or itsend region into said first groove 58. It is possible to provide that thewall section 66 is clamped in the first groove 58. The lid 12 or itswall section 66 is soldered into the first groove 58 with the bottom, tobe precise in particular by means of solder plating. As a result, thesolder can collect satisfactorily in the groove so that the solderquality or the quality of the solder points is improved and the leakagerate after soldering is reduced compared to known embodiments. Inaddition, the contact between the bottom 14 and the lid 12 is improvedby means of the first groove 58. In addition, any unevennesses in thebottom 14 have a smaller effect on the quality of the connection betweenthe bottom 14 and lid 12 since they are taken up by the groove or theconnection by means of the first groove 58 in which there is solder orsolder can collect, causes any unevennesses to be “absorbed” and notform potential leakages after the soldering process to the degree whichoccurs in previously known embodiments. In a corresponding way, the lidof the second box or a wall section of the lid of the second box extendsinto the first groove which is provided in the bottom of the second box.

The covering 40 extends with a wall section 68 into the firstintermediate space 64. This is effected here in such a way that theperipheral end region, facing the first box 2, of the covering 40 or therespective first chamber side wall 42, second chamber side wall, thirdchamber side wall 44 and fourth chamber side wall extends into saidfirst intermediate space 64. In said first intermediate space 64, thecovering 40 is soldered to the bottom 14 and/or the pipes 10 and/or theturbulence inserts 50. In a corresponding way, an end region of thecovering 40, and respectively the end region facing the second box, ofthe respective first chamber side wall 42, second chamber wall, thirdchamber side wall 44 and fourth chamber side wall extends into anintermediate space which is formed in a corresponding way by means ofthe first profile elevation at the bottom of the second box. It is to benoted that in the alternative embodiment in question, in which no thirdchamber side wall 44 or fourth chamber side wall is provided, only edgeregions 68 of the first chamber side wall 42 and second covering orchamber side wall extend into the respective first intermediate space 64or the respective first intermediate spaces, respectively.

An inlet opening for gas, in particular exhaust gas or charge air, isprovided, and an outlet opening for said gas, in particular exhaust gasor charge air is provided. One of said openings, which may be said inletopening or said outlet opening, and provided here in the lid 12 of thefirst box 2, is provided with the reference symbol 70, a connector beingprovided in the region of said opening. The other opening can, forexample, be provided on the second box.

The bottom 14 of the first box 2, and the same applies to the bottom ofthe second box, has a plurality of, here, for example, four secondopenings 72. Said second openings 72 are provided here in the basegroove 74 of the first groove 58 and/or in the first profile elevation62. The second openings 72 are respective slot-shaped. The lid 12 of thefirst box 2, and the same applies to the lid of the second box, has aplurality of, here for example four, projections which are clips 76here. For example, as in this case a clip 76 is respectively provided onthe first side wall 24, on the second side wall 26, on the third sidewall 28 and on the fourth side wall 30. Said clips 76 project from thelid 12 in the direction facing the bottom 14. The clips 76 extend in orthrough the second openings 72.

The bottom 14 of the first box 2, and respectively the bottom of thesecond box, is essentially of planar or flat construction.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show a further exemplary embodiment of a heat exchanger1 according to the invention, which can be used, for example, as acharge-air cooler or exhaust gas cooler for an internal combustionengine of a motor vehicle.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 11 and 12, the lid 12 is of arounder and flatter construction compared to the embodiment according toFIGS. 1 to 10. In addition, the embodiment according to FIGS. 11 and 12shows that the lid 12 can also be of a more a symmetrical construction,than is the case in the embodiment according to FIGS. 11 and 12.

In addition, FIGS. 11 and 12 show a connector which is integrally formedin the region of the opening 70 and whose axis runs obliquely withrespect to the longitudinal direction 22 of the pipes and not, as in theembodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 10, in the longitudinal direction 22of the pipes.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 11 and 12, the connector which isprovided in the region of the opening 56 is, in contrast to theembodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 10, not given a straight shape butrather a bent shape and moreover is integrally formed onto the covering40 at a different location.

The turbulence inserts 50 are not shown or not provided in theembodiment according to FIGS. 11 and 12 but can be provided and arrangedin an advantageous development according to the embodiment in FIGS. 1 to10.

The second openings 72 and the clips 76 are not shown or not provided inthe embodiment according to FIGS. 11 and 12, but can be provided andarranged in an advantageous development according to the embodiment inFIGS. 1 to 10.

Moreover, the heat exchanger 1 according to FIGS. 11 and 12 isessentially constructed in the same way as the heat exchanger accordingto FIGS. 1 to 10.

FIG. 13 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a heat exchanger 1according to the invention, which heat exchanger 1 can be used, forexample, as a charge-air cooler or exhaust gas cooler for an internalcombustion engine of a motor vehicle. The parts of the heat exchangeraccording to FIG. 13 are preferably soldered to one another, to beprecise in particular by means of solder plating.

FIG. 13 shows a connector 78 which is soldered on in the region ofopening 70 and whose axis runs obliquely with respect to thelongitudinal direction 22 of the pipes, and not in the longitudinaldirection 22 of the pipes as in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to10. The connector which is provided in the region of the opening 56 isgiven a straight shape in the embodiment according to FIG. 13.

The turbulence inserts 50 are not shown or not provided in theembodiment according to FIG. 13 but they can be provided and arranged inan advantageous development according to the embodiment in FIGS. 1 to10. The second opening 72 and the clips 76 are not shown or not providedin the embodiment according to FIG. 13 but can be provided and arrangedin an advantageous development according to the embodiment in FIGS. 1 to10.

According to FIG. 13, the third chamber side wall 44 is subdivided, likethe fourth chamber side wall which is not shown, into a first wallsection 80 and a second wall section 82. The first wall section 80 isconstructed here as a shaped edge region of the first chamber side wall42, and the second wall section is constructed as a shaped edge regionof the second chamber side wall which is not shown. As a result, thefirst and second chamber side walls engage around the pipe block 46 andtherefore act, if appropriate, as a lost soldering device, as a resultof which the fabrication process is simplified. As is apparent from FIG.13, the first wall section 80 and the second wall section 82 each havecutouts 84 so that saving in terms of material can be achieved by virtueof the fact that the pipe wall of the outermost pipe is reinforced onlyat the points which are loaded most heavily.

Moreover, the heat exchanger 1 according to FIG. 13 is essentiallyconstructed in the same way as the heat exchanger according to FIGS. 1to 12.

As the exemplary embodiments show, the invention forms a basis ofreducing leakage rates in a heat exchanger after soldering compared tothe embodiments mentioned at the beginning, and for improved contactbetween the bottoms and the assigned lids and between the bottoms andthe covering and the side parts and the water casing, respectively. Inaddition, the exemplary embodiments show that at least preferreddevelopments of the invention have made it possible to provide a goodsecuring possibility for the lids and the covering or the side parts orchamber side walls or the water casing by means of one or more groovesor beads which are respectively impressed or embossed into the bottoms.

As shown, it is possible, in particular for this purpose, to providethat the respective lid is held in a respective first groove of thebottom which is assigned to said lid, with this groove or bead or afirst profile elevation which is formed by the corresponding embossingor impressing serving as a support or for securing the covering or theside parts or the chamber side walls or the water casing. In addition,from the exemplary embodiments it is apparent that the invention formsthe basis for “taking up” any unevennesses in the bottom by means of thefirst groove so that the contact between the bottom and lid is improved,and a better soldering quality and a better quality of the solderinglocations is therefore achieved. In addition, the invention forms thebasis for allowing solder to collect in the first groove, and thusachieving an improved soldering quality and a better quality of thesoldering locations. Moreover, in the configurations according to theexemplary embodiments the lids and bottoms are premounted so that timeis saved on preassembly. Moreover, the bottom bead or first profileelevation can be used for fixing or as a means of fixing the side partsand/or the water casing and/or the covering and/or the chamber sidewalls and as a soldering surface, as a result of which the solderingquality and the quality of the soldering parts can be improved.

FIG. 24 shows an isometric representation of an assembled heat exchanger1. Identical features are provided with the same reference symbols as inthe preceding figures.

The heat exchanger 1, in particular the charge-air cooler or exhaust gascooler for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, has a number ofpipes 10 which are arranged in a covering 40. In the illustratedexemplary embodiment, the covering 40 has a first covering element 87and a second covering element 88. In the illustrated exemplaryembodiment, the first covering element 87 is identical to the secondcovering element 88. The covering elements 87, 88 enclose the number ofpipes 10. A covering opening 89 is formed between the first coveringelements 87 and the second covering element 88, in particular coveringopenings 89 are formed on each of the two chamber side walls 44 lyingopposite one another.

In another embodiment (not illustrated), the first covering element 87is of a different construction from the second covering element 88.

In a further embodiment, (not illustrated), the first covering element87 and the second covering element 88 are constructed in one part. Thecovering element 87, 88 which is constructed in one part has a coveringopening 89.

The covering 40 has at least one stamped-out projection 90, inparticular two stamped-out projections. The stamped-out projections 90are formed towards the outside from the covering 40. In anotherembodiment (not illustrated), the covering does not have any stamped-outprojections 90.

The covering 40 has at least one inlet and outlet opening 56, inparticular two inlet/outlet openings 56. The outlet openings areembodied essentially cylindrically as connectors, in particular from thestamped-out projection 90. The connectors have, adjacent to the covering40 or adjacent to the stamped-out projection 90, a first, essentiallycylindrical section which merges with at least a second cylindricalsection. The first cylindrical section has a larger diameter than thesecond cylindrical section so that, in particular, the first cylindricalsection tapers in order to merge with the second cylindrical section.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first connector and the secondconnector are arranged slightly offset perpendicularly with respect tothe direction of flow through the heat exchanger. In another embodiment(not illustrated), the first and second connectors can be arranged oneon top of the other, i.e. having no vertical offset in the perpendiculardirection with respect to the direction of flow. In another embodiment(not illustrated), the connectors have a relatively large offset.

The heat exchanger 1 has two lids 12. The lid 12 has at least oneconnector 78. The connector 78 has at least one opening 70. In theillustrated embodiment, there can be I flow through the heat exchanger1.

In another embodiment (not illustrated) there can be U flow through theheat exchanger 1. In particular, the heat exchanger 1 then has a lid 12with two connectors 78. The other lid 12 lying opposite does not have anopening 70 and does not have a connector 78.

In the illustrated embodiment, the heat exchanger 1 has at least oneside wall section 80, in particular two side wall sections 80, 82 of thechamber side wall 42, 44. In particular, the heat exchanger has twochamber side walls in each case.

The side wall section 80 has at least one cutout 84, in particular ineach case four cutouts 84 on one side in the illustrated exemplaryembodiment. The at least one cutout 84 forms a covering opening 89together with a further material cutout between the side wall section 80and the side wall section 82. The covering opening. At least one sectionof the pipe 10 can be seen from the outside through the coveringopening.

In another embodiment (not illustrated), the opening 89 is closed off atleast in certain sections, in particular completely, by a plate, (notillustrated). The pipe 10 can then no longer be seen from the outside.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of the chamber side wall and of the sidewall sections. Identical features are provided with the same referencesymbols as in the preceding figures.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the third chamber side wall 44has four cutouts 84. The first side wall section 80 has two of saidcutouts 84. The second side wall section 82 has two of said cutouts 84.Between the first side wall section 80 and the second wall section 82 afree space is formed. The free space has the covering opening 89. Thecovering opening 89 comprises the four cutouts 84.

The first side wall section 80 has a first width b. The cutouts 84 inthe first wall section 80 have a width h and a length i. A first edgesection of the cutout 84 with the width h is arranged essentiallyperpendicularly with respect to a second edge section of the cutout 84with the length i. The junction between the first edge section and thesecond edge section is embodied as a radius in the illustrated exemplaryembodiment. In another exemplary embodiment (not illustrated), thejunction can be embodied in a polygonal fashion. The cutout 84 which islocated closest to an upper edge 92 is arranged at a first distance ffrom the upper edge 92 of the first wall section 80. A second cutout 84in the first wall section 80 is arranged at distance g from the upperedge 92. Further cutouts 84 (not illustrated) are arranged at a distanceg−f from one another. The first side wall section 80 has a distancem=c−a−b from the second side wall section 82, where a=k+e and k≧2.5 mmand b=h+l where l≧2.5 mm. The distance m assumes values 0≦m≦c−k−l wherek≧2.5 mm and l≧2.5 mm.

Two adjacent cutouts 84 in the first side wall section 80 are at adistance r from one another, where r≧0 mm. The second side wall section82 has a width a. The cutouts 84 have a width l and a length d. A firstedge section of the cutout 84 with the width e is arranged essentiallyperpendicularly with respect to a second edge section with the length d.The at least one junction between the first edge section and the secondedge section is embodied as a radius. In another embodiment (notillustrated), the junction is embodied in a polygonal fashion.

The cutout 84 which is closest to the upper edge 92 is arranged at adistance n from the upper edge 92. A further cutout 84 is arranged at adistance o from the upper edge 92. In other embodiments (notillustrated), further cutouts 84 are at a distance o−n from one another.Two adjacent cutouts 84 in the second side wall section 82 are at adistance p from one another, where p≧0 mm.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the width a is equal to thewidth b and/or the distance f is equal to the distance n and/or thewidth e is equal to the width h and/or the length i is equal to thelength d and/or the distance g is equal to the distance o and/or thedistance k is equal to the distance l and/or the distance p is equal tothe distance r.

In another embodiment (not illustrated), the width a is not equal to thewidth b and/or the width e is not equal to the width h and/or the lengthd is not equal to the length i and/or the distance k is not equal to thedistance l and/or the distance n is not equal to the distance f and/orthe distance o is not equal to the distance g and/or the distance p isnot equal to the distance r.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cutouts 84 in the first side wallsection 80 have the same length i and the same width h, where the widthh=0≦h≦b−l where h≧2.5 mm. Likewise, the cutouts 84 in the second sidewall section 82 have the same length d and the same width e, where thewidth e=0≦e≦a−k where k≧2.5 mm.

In another embodiment (not illustrated), the cutouts 84 in the firstside section 80 have different lengths i and/or a different width h.

In another embodiment (not illustrated), the cutouts 84 in the secondside section 82 have different lengths d and/or a different width e.

In another embodiment (not illustrated), the first side section 80 hasat least one cutout 84, and the second side section 82 does not have acutout 84.

In another embodiment (not illustrated), the second side section 82 hasat least one cutout 84, and the first side section 80 does not have acutout 84.

FIG. 16 shows a further embodiment of the chamber side wall and of theside wall sections. Identical features are provided with the samereference symbols as in the preceding figures.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, in contrast to FIG. 15, thedistance m between the first side wall section 80 and the second sidewall section 82 assumes particularly small values m≧0 mm. When m=0 mmthere is a butt joint between the first side wall section 80 and thesecond side wall section 82. In particular, a joining device, inparticular soldering device (not illustrated), engages through therecess 84 and exerts a pressure on the pipes 10 (not illustrated). Thecovering 40 with the side walls 44 is, in particular, solder-plated andis soldered to at least one pipe 10 during the soldering process.

FIG. 17 shows a further embodiment of the chamber side wall and of theside wall sections. Identical features are provided with the samereference symbols as in the preceding figures.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, in contrast to the FIGS. 15 and16, the distance p and/or r between adjacent cutouts 84 assumesparticularly small values r≧0 mm and/or p≧0 mm. In the case where r=0 mmand/or p=0 mm, two adjacent cutouts 84 in one side wall section 80, 82form a cutout 84. In this way, the joining device, in particular thesoldering device, can have a large surface. As a result, in particular,a relatively large pressure can be exerted on the pipes 10 (notillustrated) during the joining process, in particular during thesoldering process. In particular, the pressure surface can beparticularly advantageously enlarged, which leads to a better joint, inparticular soldered connection.

FIG. 18 shows a further embodiment of the chamber side wall and of theside wall sections. Identical features are provided with the samereference symbols as in the preceding figures.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, in contrast to FIGS. 15, 16 and17, four cutouts 84 are illustrated.

In another exemplary embodiment (not illustrated), the covering has morethan four cutouts 84.

FIG. 19 shows a further embodiment of the chamber side wall and of theside wall sections. Identical features are provided with the samereference symbols as in the preceding figures.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the case is shown where r=0 andp=0. Here, in each case two cutouts 84 form one large cutout 94.

FIG. 20 shows a further embodiment of the chamber side wall and of theside wall sections. Identical features are provided with the samereference symbols as in the preceding figures.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, in contrast to FIGS. 15, 16,17, 18 and 19, cutouts 84 are not formed in the first wall section 80and the second wall section 82. The distance k is, in particular, 2.5 mmand/or the distance l is, in particular, 2.5 mm.

In another exemplary embodiment (not illustrated) the distance k≧2.5 mmand/or the distance l≧2.5 mm.

FIG. 21 shows a further embodiment of the chamber side wall and of theside wall sections. Identical features are provided with the samereference symbols as in the preceding figures.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, in contrast to FIGS. 15, 16,17, 18, 19 and 20, cutouts 84 are not formed in the first wall section80 and the second wall section 82. A plate 93 is positioned in theopening 89 in FIG. 20. The plate 93 is in contact, in particular, withthe first side wall section 80 and/or the second side wall section 82,at least in certain sections. The plate 93 is, in particular, connectedin a materially joined fashion by soldering and/or welding and/orbonding to the pipes 10 (not illustrated) and/or to the first and/orsecond side wall sections 80, 82.

FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 show an isometric representation of a furtherembodiment of the connection of the lid to the bottom and to the sidecovering. Identical features are provided with the same referencesymbols as in the preceding figures.

In contrast to the preceding figures, the lid 120, which is ofessentially identical construction to the lid 12, is in contact with thebottom 140, at least in certain areas and/or is connected in amaterially joined fashion to the bottom 140, in particular by welding,soldering, bonding etc.

The bottom 140 is of essentially the same construction as the bottom 14.The bottom 140 has a peripheral edge 141 at which the bottom 140 isconnected to the lid 120, in particular in a materially joined fashionby soldering, welding, bonding etc. and/or in a positively lockingfashion by chamfering, folding or crimping.

In addition, the lid 120 is in contact, at least in certain sections,with the covering 40, or in particular with the side wall 42 and/or theside wall 44. The lid 120 is connected in a materially joined fashion,at least in certain sections, to the covering 40, or in particular tothe side wall 42 and/or to the side wall 44, in particular by welding,soldering, bonding etc. and/or in a positively locking fashion, bycrimping, folding chamfering etc.

Furthermore, the lid 120 is in contact, at least in certain sections,with at least one pipe 10, at least in certain sections, and isconnected, in particular in a materially joined fashion, for example bywelding, soldering, bonding, to the at least one pipe 10, in particularto a plurality of pipes 10.

The covering 40, and in particular the side walls 42 and/or the sidewalls 44, can be embodied in the way which is illustrated in thepreceding figures and described.

1. A heat exchanger, in particular charge-air cooler or exhaust gascooler for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, having afirst box and a second box which is arranged spaced apart from saidfirst box, and having a plurality of pipes by means of which the firstbox and the second box are fluidically connected, and having a chamberthrough which a coolant can flow and which is provided between the twoboxes and through which a plurality of, or all of, the pipes, via whichthe two boxes are fluidically connected, extend, wherein at least one ofsaid two boxes has a lid and a bottom which is connected to this lid andis provided with one or more openings for holding the pipes, whereinthis bottom has at least a first groove into which the lid and a wallsection of the lid of the same box extends.
 2. The heat exchanger, inparticular charge-air cooler or exhaust gas cooler for an internalcombustion engine of a motor vehicle, having a first wall and a secondbox which is arranged spaced apart from said first box, and having aplurality of pipes by means of which the first box and the second boxare fluidically connected, and having a chamber through which a coolantcan flow and which is provided between the two boxes and through which aplurality of, or all of, the pipes, via which the two boxes arefluidically connected, extend, wherein at least one of said two boxeshas a lid and a bottom which is connected to this lid and is providedwith one or more openings for holding the pipes, wherein the lid or awall section of the lid is in contact, at least in certain portions,with the bottom and a covering.
 3. The heat exchanger as claimed inclaim 1, wherein at least one covering, in particular covering plate, isprovided for bounding the chamber, and the bottom has at least a secondgroove into which a wall section of the covering extends.
 4. The heatexchanger as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chamber is bounded on twosides lying opposite one another by means of pipes which are embodied asflat pipes and via which the first box is fluidically connected to thesecond box, and the chamber is bounded on two further sides by means ofa covering, in particular a covering plate, which sides are opposite oneanother and, in particular, are positioned transversely with respect tothe planes formed by said flat pipes, and extend between the boxes. 5.The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 4, wherein the chamber is boundedby the boxes on the sides lying opposite one another in the direction ofthe longitudinal extent of the pipes, to be precise in particular by abottom of the first box on one of said two sides lying opposite oneanother in the direction of the longitudinal extent of pipes, and by abottom of the second box on the other of said two sides lying oppositeone another in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the pipes. 6.The heat exchanger, in particular charge-air cooler for an internalcombustion engine of a motor vehicle, having a first box and a secondbox which is arranged spaced apart from first box and having a pluralityof pipes by means of which the first box and the second box arefluidically connected, wherein at least one of said two boxes has a lidand a bottom which is connected to said lid and is provided with one ormore first openings for holding pipes, in particular according to claim1, wherein this bottom has at least a first groove into which a wallsection of the lid of the same box extends and/or said bottom isembodied in such a way that the lid of said box has at least a thirdgroove into which a wall section of the bottom of this box extends. 7.The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1, wherein the groove and/orfirst groove and/or the second groove is/are a peripheral groove, inparticular in an edge region of the bottom, or an essentially peripheralgroove.
 8. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grooveand/or the first groove and/or the second groove is a groove which isembossed or impressed into the bottom, said groove being in particular aperipheral or essentially peripheral groove.
 9. The heat exchanger asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom has, on its side facing away fromthe lid of the same box, at least a first profile elevation, inparticular a first profile elevation which runs around in the outer edgeregion of the bottom.
 10. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 9,wherein the first profile elevation is constructed by embossing orimpressing the first groove into the bottom.
 11. The heat exchanger asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the first profile elevation of the bottom ofthe first box is spaced apart transversely, in particularperpendicularly, with respect to the direction of the longitudinalextent of the pipes, by the pipe block which is formed by the pipes, inparticular flat pipes, with the result that at least a firstintermediate space is formed between this pipe block and this firstprofile elevation transversely, in particular perpendicularly, withrespect to the direction of longitudinal extent of the pipes, wherein atleast one covering, in particular covering plate, is provided forbounding the chamber, and wherein a wall section of this coveringextends into this first intermediate space.
 12. The heat exchanger asclaimed in claim 11, wherein the wall section, extending into the firstintermediate space formed between the pipe block and the first profileelevation, of the covering bears essentially against said pipe blockand/or against said first profile elevation.
 13. The heat exchanger asclaimed in claim 3, wherein the bottom has, on its side facing the lidof the same box, at least a second profile elevation, in particular asecond profile elevation which runs around in the outer edge region ofthe bottom.
 14. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 13, wherein thesecond profile elevation is constructed by embossing or impressing thesecond groove into the bottom.
 15. The heat exchanger as claimed inclaim 13, wherein the second profile elevation is spaced aparttransversely, in particularly perpendicularly, with respect to thedirection of the longitudinal extent of the pipes, by the pipe blockformed by the pipes, in particular flat pipes, with the result that atleast a second intermediate space is formed between said pipe block andsaid second profile elevation, transversely, in particularperpendicularly with respect to the direction of the longitudinal extentof the pipes, wherein at least one covering, in particular coveringplate, is provided for bounding the chamber, and wherein a wall sectionof the lid extends into said second intermediate space.
 16. The heatexchanger as claimed in claim 15, wherein the wall section, extendinginto the second intermediate space formed between the pipe block and thesecond profile elevation, of the lid bears essentially against said pipeblock and/or against said second profile elevation.
 17. The heatexchanger as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom has one or moresecond openings which are different from the first opening or openings,and the lid has, on its side facing the bottom, one or more projections,in particular clips, each of which extends into or through a secondopening.
 18. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1, wherein the atleast one second opening is provided in the at least one first groove,to be precise in particular in the groove base of this at least onefirst groove.
 19. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1, wherein thebottom is of essentially flat or planar construction.
 20. The heatexchanger as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger isessentially composed completely of aluminum.
 21. The heat exchanger asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger has at least one cutout,in particular a plurality of cutouts.
 22. The heat exchanger as claimedin claim 21, wherein the cutout has a width and a length.